My family’s experience in the civil rights movement, which Lincoln so inspired, has shaped my thinking and guided my work as a member of Congress. Likewise, my belief that history – and in particular, Abraham Lincoln – holds relevance to our lives has played a significant part in my development as a person. I believe Lincoln’s leadership as president, his wisdom, and his belief in the bedrock American principles of freedom and democracy are all guideposts we can continue to follow today in building a more perfect Union.